What Our Clients Have to Say
We are always pleased when our clients share experiences with us... There is great satisfaction in seeing Brooks Ranch Quarter Horses excelling far and wide. Here are a few testimonials received from Brooks clients that we now have the pleasure of sharing with you.
June 24th, 2017
Hello Lee and Miriam!
Chico took fourth out of 6 at his halter class this morning with some pretty hefty competition. I entered him just to get used to the crowds, PA system, and crazies at the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show. He was ridiculously calm. And he nudged the judge as he walked by which I whispered was a big “no-no” trying to influence the judge. Sheesh.
We could NOT be happier with this horse.
We continue to improve weekly on cows. I’m riding one-handed on the flag now –
How are things up there? Staying cool?
Please say “Hola” to Felix and Chuy.
See you soon-hugs,
j.
Hello Lee and Miriam!
Chico took fourth out of 6 at his halter class this morning with some pretty hefty competition. I entered him just to get used to the crowds, PA system, and crazies at the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show. He was ridiculously calm. And he nudged the judge as he walked by which I whispered was a big “no-no” trying to influence the judge. Sheesh.
We could NOT be happier with this horse.
We continue to improve weekly on cows. I’m riding one-handed on the flag now –
How are things up there? Staying cool?
Please say “Hola” to Felix and Chuy.
See you soon-hugs,
j.
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July 6th, 2016
Hi Miriam,
Absolutely!!!! I love this horse more than any other horse I have ever had!!!!! There is nothing I can’t do with her!!! She is a phenomenal cow horse, she is an awesome trail horse, and now a beautiful parade horse!!!
Thank you again!!
Kimberly
Hi Miriam,
Absolutely!!!! I love this horse more than any other horse I have ever had!!!!! There is nothing I can’t do with her!!! She is a phenomenal cow horse, she is an awesome trail horse, and now a beautiful parade horse!!!
Thank you again!!
Kimberly
Dear Mariam and Lee,
I Heart. That brand is what lead me to your ranch originally. I know it sounds stupid, but I connected because my heart literally was in trouble, and I was searching for something to help me through the ordeal of procedures to correct my heart's birth defect which at the age of 57 had just been detected. I had given away my green broke horse because I was not up to the stress and battle of working with her. It simply was not fun and not healthy for me as well. So, the dumbest thing I could do was to buy another horse -- right? Wrong. All of my life my passion has been riding -- it defines me. I don't know if that is good or bad. But on the back of a horse is where I grew up. I learned lessons about life that could be taught nowhere else except in that quiet place that exists between man and horse. Just passing time, I was on line looking at horses and typed in Quarter horses for sale and there it was -- 1 heart. I'm not a real religious person, but it seemed like a strange sign to me, to my heart. So, although not wise, I followed the only path I knew and that was back to my roots. After viewing the Brooks Ranch site on my computer day after day, and admiring all of your Quarter horses, I finally got the nerve to make an appointment and visit your ranch. My heart was literally bouncing around in my chest as I admired all of your horses in the barn. After watching me ride several of your five year olds, who I originally went up to look at, you brought out a little four year old sorrel mare for me to try. You didn't know how I was struggling just to breath at that point from riding the other two horses. I had no business on the back of any horse, but when I got on this particular horse, I was home. I squeezed my legs a bit and off we went. She was confident and responsive to my every movement, including the beat of my heart. I loved her immediately but felt that I should try out more horses. You asked me why since it was obvious that she was such a good fit. I contemplated this for a moment and decided to purchase her. After you delivered her to me, I still had not had my heart procedures. I decided to ride her anyway by myself on the trails near my home. I tied her, brushed her, cleaned her feet, placed the saddle on her back, lounged her and off we went. It was as if she could sense that she had to be extra careful with me. Her ears perked and alert, she walked me down the trail as though she were a twenty year old horse who had walked that trail everyday. She never spooked of deer jumping out of bushes or even the wild turkeys that took flight in the field with wings flapping all over the place. She merely keep walking, alert and confident. During that ride we walked, trotted, and then raced up a hill. She never questioned my commands or lost touch with her task at hand. She was all business. On that day I truly appreciated the importance of good breeding in a horse, good training, and your knowledge and judgment of matching horse and rider. I rode her often with my fragile heart, and she performed beyond my wildest dreams. My procedures were a bit rough and during that time I could close my eyes and know that I had my little red mare waiting for me at home. Weeks later I was back on her exploring the lake and now racing along the sandy beaches. Boy can she move. She also has a great stop. She is the most well balanced, smartest, kindest animal that I have ever known. Sometimes life is a bit scary, but I followed my heart to the right place and will be forever grateful to you. Although I didn't know him, I have thought of your father/father-in-law occasionally while trotting along and know he would be pleased with your good sense of people and horses. Even though you didn't know it, you helped get me through a tough time in my life. I thank you from the bottom of my now healthy heart.
Cheers, Kate McCarthy
I Heart. That brand is what lead me to your ranch originally. I know it sounds stupid, but I connected because my heart literally was in trouble, and I was searching for something to help me through the ordeal of procedures to correct my heart's birth defect which at the age of 57 had just been detected. I had given away my green broke horse because I was not up to the stress and battle of working with her. It simply was not fun and not healthy for me as well. So, the dumbest thing I could do was to buy another horse -- right? Wrong. All of my life my passion has been riding -- it defines me. I don't know if that is good or bad. But on the back of a horse is where I grew up. I learned lessons about life that could be taught nowhere else except in that quiet place that exists between man and horse. Just passing time, I was on line looking at horses and typed in Quarter horses for sale and there it was -- 1 heart. I'm not a real religious person, but it seemed like a strange sign to me, to my heart. So, although not wise, I followed the only path I knew and that was back to my roots. After viewing the Brooks Ranch site on my computer day after day, and admiring all of your Quarter horses, I finally got the nerve to make an appointment and visit your ranch. My heart was literally bouncing around in my chest as I admired all of your horses in the barn. After watching me ride several of your five year olds, who I originally went up to look at, you brought out a little four year old sorrel mare for me to try. You didn't know how I was struggling just to breath at that point from riding the other two horses. I had no business on the back of any horse, but when I got on this particular horse, I was home. I squeezed my legs a bit and off we went. She was confident and responsive to my every movement, including the beat of my heart. I loved her immediately but felt that I should try out more horses. You asked me why since it was obvious that she was such a good fit. I contemplated this for a moment and decided to purchase her. After you delivered her to me, I still had not had my heart procedures. I decided to ride her anyway by myself on the trails near my home. I tied her, brushed her, cleaned her feet, placed the saddle on her back, lounged her and off we went. It was as if she could sense that she had to be extra careful with me. Her ears perked and alert, she walked me down the trail as though she were a twenty year old horse who had walked that trail everyday. She never spooked of deer jumping out of bushes or even the wild turkeys that took flight in the field with wings flapping all over the place. She merely keep walking, alert and confident. During that ride we walked, trotted, and then raced up a hill. She never questioned my commands or lost touch with her task at hand. She was all business. On that day I truly appreciated the importance of good breeding in a horse, good training, and your knowledge and judgment of matching horse and rider. I rode her often with my fragile heart, and she performed beyond my wildest dreams. My procedures were a bit rough and during that time I could close my eyes and know that I had my little red mare waiting for me at home. Weeks later I was back on her exploring the lake and now racing along the sandy beaches. Boy can she move. She also has a great stop. She is the most well balanced, smartest, kindest animal that I have ever known. Sometimes life is a bit scary, but I followed my heart to the right place and will be forever grateful to you. Although I didn't know him, I have thought of your father/father-in-law occasionally while trotting along and know he would be pleased with your good sense of people and horses. Even though you didn't know it, you helped get me through a tough time in my life. I thank you from the bottom of my now healthy heart.
Cheers, Kate McCarthy
January 9th, 2016
Hi Miriam,
Just wanted to let you know that Cali is doing GREAT! We go out alone with my dogs and check cows in La Grange and Farmington. She was a little nervous the first 2 weeks but since then is very quiet. She is almost jumping into the trailer by herself. I have stopped lunging her as she never has tried to act up and stays quiet. She has shown a great interest in wanting to herd the cows. With this weather I have only ridden her once a week for the last month and she is still improving. I really do love her. Thank you for the opportunity to purchase her! Take Care
Helga
Hi Miriam,
Just wanted to let you know that Cali is doing GREAT! We go out alone with my dogs and check cows in La Grange and Farmington. She was a little nervous the first 2 weeks but since then is very quiet. She is almost jumping into the trailer by herself. I have stopped lunging her as she never has tried to act up and stays quiet. She has shown a great interest in wanting to herd the cows. With this weather I have only ridden her once a week for the last month and she is still improving. I really do love her. Thank you for the opportunity to purchase her! Take Care
Helga
November 30th, 2015
Hi Miriam!
I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving! I wanted to share our run from yesterday in Ceres at the NFR Fantasy race, they duplicated the Thomas & Mack setup! Out of 227 entries we won it! Here's some photos and the video :). We're headed to AZ for the American Qualifier next month :D fingers crossed!
Brian
Hi Miriam!
I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving! I wanted to share our run from yesterday in Ceres at the NFR Fantasy race, they duplicated the Thomas & Mack setup! Out of 227 entries we won it! Here's some photos and the video :). We're headed to AZ for the American Qualifier next month :D fingers crossed!
Brian
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July 20, 2015
Hi Miriam! I hope all is well with you, the family and the ranch! I wanted to share this with you as I think you will enjoy it! So funny little story to go along with this photo.. Last week I wen to a race in Ione and I'm standing with Holly waiting to get my check and a gal starts talking to me about my horse. She says I just want to put your horse in my trailer can I take her home, I was watching you warm up and I could tell how much she loves her job. So I laugh it off and chitchat and answer her questions about my horse. I tell her about the busy months we have coming up because she asked where I like to race. Another gal comes down from getting her check and this lady says to me we have to take this horse home again I laugh. She says well good luck to every where you're going you have a great little horse here shakes my hand and says by the way I'm Sharon Camarillo And walks away. |
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After about five seconds of being starstruck I comprehend who I was talking to and walk up and ask her for this photo. Her and her friend laugh and say you had no idea who you were talking to! Made my night!! This little horse is such a rockstar and is really making a name for herself. I'm blessed to put her in my trailer every day I get. I see a very big future ahead..
Sincerely,
Brian
Sincerely,
Brian
Dear Miriam and Lee,
Frankie and Jeweled Wonder are now competing in Junior High School Rodeo. We thought we'd share a couple of images of the pair. We love our little Brooks mare. She may be small, but in heart, athleticism and intelligence, she stands head and shoulders above the rest!
Warmest regards,
Tracey Hawkins
Frankie and Jeweled Wonder are now competing in Junior High School Rodeo. We thought we'd share a couple of images of the pair. We love our little Brooks mare. She may be small, but in heart, athleticism and intelligence, she stands head and shoulders above the rest!
Warmest regards,
Tracey Hawkins
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Hi Miriam and Lee,
Wanted to share a picture of Gina with Amber today and let you know how happy they both are. The other photo is the pasture Amber is in with 3 other horses. Amber enjoys 10+ acres of land with trees and a large covered awning when it rains. Gina visits Amber daily, and rides her several times a week. I’m so happy for Gina and want to thank you for finding a perfect match for her. Gina tells me how much she loves Amber and it warms my heart to see her this happy. Thanks for everything. Let me know when you have time for a nice steak dinner. I’ll prepare it in advance and fly us up to barbeque for you two. Hope all is well on your side. Keep in touch. -Bob |
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Lee and Miriam, Jennifer and I competed with Mouse and Freckles in a ranch sorting event at our barn this past weekend. We assumed they would feel at home around the cows; however, we didn't know how they would handle the crowds, horse traffic, load speaker, trucks and trailers, and associated activities. Well…. both of the mares behaved excellently.
As far as working the cows, sorting is a different game then cutting, but both the girls figured out what we were doing quickly and were very good at it. I've attached some photos to show just how much fun we had.
We really appreciate the extra time and effort that you put into making sure that we both had the exact right hoses for us. We couldn't have better horses for what we need and who we are as riders. Our satisfaction is a testament to just how well bread and trained Brooks horses are and how much you, Luciano, and the rest of your staff care about the horses and your customers. Thanks again for all the effort!!!
Cheers,
Bill and Jennifer
As far as working the cows, sorting is a different game then cutting, but both the girls figured out what we were doing quickly and were very good at it. I've attached some photos to show just how much fun we had.
We really appreciate the extra time and effort that you put into making sure that we both had the exact right hoses for us. We couldn't have better horses for what we need and who we are as riders. Our satisfaction is a testament to just how well bread and trained Brooks horses are and how much you, Luciano, and the rest of your staff care about the horses and your customers. Thanks again for all the effort!!!
Cheers,
Bill and Jennifer
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Hi Leonard,
I just wanted to share a photo of my son at Badger's very first show, when he was just 3 and my son was 6. The judge just absolutely adored this quiet-minded, sweetheart of a horse. After 6 years with him now, I can say he is THE best horse I have ever owned. Some at the barn have even dubbed him "The Babysitter" because he chaperones less experienced horses around spooky areas and has such a calming effect on them. There is so much to be said for good breeding. I would even say it makes this little horse invaluable. Leonard, thanks again for doing what you do, and thank you for being you! Love & Gratitude, Mrs. Julie E. Null Tucson, AZ |
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Mr, Brooks,
We wanted to send you a of pictures of our kids, yes there doing well.. Please share these with your son Lee Brooks.. We are having a blast!! We are looking to extend our family even more.. what kind of deals do you have for me. Love your horses...... Best, Jeff Giorgi |
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I love my new horse! My neighbor had some calves that needed to be branded this morning at the last minute. I didn't even get a chance to warm him up. As soon as I hopped on we pushed the mama cows up the alley to be worked and then went straight to roping. ~ Josey
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I received some bittersweet news today. My 18 year old mare, Neeca, will have to be retired. I made the best decision of my life going to Brooks Quarter Horses in Jamestown, CA with my mom to buy her 16 years ago. Her back, right stifle is pretty run down and she has been experiencing some discomfort for a little while now. She has been the greatest partner I could ask for and is the reason I have crossed paths with all of you, so I also have her to thank a million times over for that!
~Gayle |
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Leonard,
Here is another picture of my Plumb Dry mare, I changed her name from Plumb Dee Too to Sugar Plumb. She is running with the American flag with my 12 yr. old daughter Arielle Spotswood. 
I am seriously thinking on having her cloned. This mare does EVERYTHING. This year alone she has been in the Tournament or Roses Parade, cattle sorted, shown and won English, Gymkhana, Lots of trails, beach rides, swims in ocean & rivers, and allowed a 13 month old child to cling to her leg with out moving. I know I have told you this before, but she is the best horse EVER.
Thanks for everything, Elaine Spotswood |
The weekend before she was 17 & under English high point champion (Picture with the blue included). 2 hours before she was the stock type champion, ran the flag and then went on to win a Relay Jumpers class with a kid who had never ridden before. She ran the American flag for the Santa Cruz County Fair while the National Anthem was sung. Not many horse can handle crowds, but I have found that this mare loves the crowds and is even better.
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Do You Believe in Angels?
Plumb Country
“PC”
March 1, 1993 – July 18,2010
Plumb Country
“PC”
March 1, 1993 – July 18,2010
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I want to share a special story with my friends. Parting with PC was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. But her pain left us with virtually no other option. I remember when I bought her from Leonard Brooks as a 3 year old. As we were leaving the ranch, Leonard called out, “…She’ll be your best friend”. I silently rolled my eyes – Leonard is a great salesman (no, really). I thought to myself – hey we bought her, at your price tag! Enough!! I knew at that time she was the prettiest horse I’d ever owned…. It was not too far down the road that I knew without a doubt she had become “my best friend”. Thank you Leonard!!! We had quite a run the two of us, and I’ll always have those memories. Here is where the story begins. |
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A week and a half, give or take, before we put her down, a yearling doe kept showing up in our yard. Not necessarily unusual, although our deer population is declining, she was always alone hanging by the barn or a short ways off on our lawn. Every morning she was near PC’s paddock. As PC hung her head out of the stall’s backdoor, I said “Hey PC, you have a new friend?” and she would nicker back – but she was always nickering to me. The few days following, the doe was persistent in staying close (ex. John was showing our boat for sale in the garage, she stayed stolidly 20 feet away). During the heat of the day, deer usually are laying in the shade and are in groups…. not PC’s doe.
Well finally the day came – Sunday 1pm. The backhoe operator and Vet came. PC was in a lot of pain but happy to be munching tons of Oatmeal cookies and carrots. It was hot…100+ degrees out. John and I went into the house after our last goodbyes….waiting, waiting
I probably would not have gone to the barn so soon but John went and I followed. We stood at the end of our breezeway viewing PC’s gravesite; a moment of silence. Then out of nowhere comes the doe – right in front of us – not 10 feet away! 2pm – hot!!! She trots in front of us to PC’s gravesite puts her nose to the ground and then trots away. Even my skeptical husband was visibly moved. She was PC’s angel helping her over to the other side.
P.S. we have not seen her again – at least not in our yard. Now do you believe in angels???
Well finally the day came – Sunday 1pm. The backhoe operator and Vet came. PC was in a lot of pain but happy to be munching tons of Oatmeal cookies and carrots. It was hot…100+ degrees out. John and I went into the house after our last goodbyes….waiting, waiting
I probably would not have gone to the barn so soon but John went and I followed. We stood at the end of our breezeway viewing PC’s gravesite; a moment of silence. Then out of nowhere comes the doe – right in front of us – not 10 feet away! 2pm – hot!!! She trots in front of us to PC’s gravesite puts her nose to the ground and then trots away. Even my skeptical husband was visibly moved. She was PC’s angel helping her over to the other side.
P.S. we have not seen her again – at least not in our yard. Now do you believe in angels???
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May 9, 2009
Dear Leonard and Lee Brooks, I found one of your branded horses a few years back tucked in an English barn in Turlock, CA. He had been through a few owners and was being used for lessons, but I guess he was “too much horse” for his current young owner. The price was right and I called my boyfriend who was running cattle in Covelo, CA at the time. He liked the look of the horse, loaded him up and took him home. That horse went straight from the jumping arena to the rough country of Covelo chasing wild, slick cattle, roping, and branding. He didn’t miss a beat and he has paid for himself ten times over now. 
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In addition to ranching duties, I used him myself extensively flagging and ponying colts at a cutting horse facility where I was training. He was also a very good turn back horse. We started arena roping on him and that is where he really shined. Without any “formal” rope training, he caught on immediately. He’ll rope both ends, but proves to be an incredibly hard-stopping heel horse. Every time he leaves the shoot he gets in the ground deeper and harder. This horse will slide 10 feet without sliders! When I sack colts out on him, I can almost drop the reins and work my rope or flag while he “works” them around the round pen. He is such a good horse and we have turned down some good offers for him. His first few ropings he earned money, and he just gets better each time. More than likely he’ll be at the ACTRA finals this year.
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“Playboy” (Playin Safari x Plumb Dry mare) is 11 yrs young this year and sound as can be. This horse truly surprised me with his abilities and cowiness (he has even been known to unseat a professional trainer at a team sorting, while turning a cow back at the line!). This horse can go all day but is not at all a “hot” horse. I have put first time riders on him and he goes into lesson-horse mode.
Keep up the good breeding!
Dave & Sue Farag
Keep up the good breeding!
Dave & Sue Farag
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April 29, 2009
Leonard, Attached you will find a picture of my daughter, Arielle Spotswood, on my mare Plumb D Too, however we show her as Sugar Plumb. She will be in the Rose Bowl Parade in January. This picture was one of the many that was sent into the Rose Bowl Parade. Sugar is a Champion Hunter - yes she jumps and does it well. She was the Champion Adult Amateur Hunter at the Gold and Grand Spring Horse Show in March (we pulled her out of the pasture). My daughter was Little Miss CSHA 2008 and rode this mare in most of her parades. The mare has performed every task ever asked of her. We ride her on the beach, trails with river crossings, swims in rivers, cattle sorting, queen runs, parades, drills, English (flat and over fences), and Western Pleasure. |
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She will be in the Salinas Rodeo parade and will be the Fly by horse for Miss CSHA Abigail Norris, Reno rodeo parade and Drill competition, and the Morgan Hill 4th of July Parade. Arielle rides with the Giddy Up Gals for Parade and Drill, so keep an eye out for them. The girls are currently working on the Disneyland main street Holiday parade as well.
This mare is the best mare I have ever had the pleasure of owning, and I consider her irreplaceable. I will send you some of her jumping pictures soon. I am also working on getting her qualified for the world show in the over fences. Once again thank you so much for helping me get the papers on this mare.
Sincerely,
Elaine Spotswood
This mare is the best mare I have ever had the pleasure of owning, and I consider her irreplaceable. I will send you some of her jumping pictures soon. I am also working on getting her qualified for the world show in the over fences. Once again thank you so much for helping me get the papers on this mare.
Sincerely,
Elaine Spotswood
